Tony Blair was today poised to win a third term as Labour - for the first time in its history - appeared set to achieve a hat-trick of General Election victories.

Four opinion polls confirm a substantial Labour lead plus evidence of a dramatic last-minute surge in support for the Liberal Democrats.

The figures suggest Labour could be heading for another three-figure landslide while the Tories face prospects of yet another drop in their vote.

Across the Tees Valley, it looked likely to be an "as you were" result in all seven local constituencies with Labour probably retaining its hold on the area and with each of the 'sitting' MPs being safely returned to Westminster.

The only upset to this might be in Hartlepool where last year the Liberal Democrats came within 2,000 votes of snatching the seat from Labour.

That was when Lib Dems' support nationally was around 18 per cent. The polls now suggest the party's support across the country is some five to seven percent higher.

Added to that is the possibility that in Hartlepool it could be Tories who decide to vote tactically by switching to the Liberal Democrats to keep Labour out.

Next door in Sedgefield, the Prime Minister's own constituency, Mr Blair again appeared certain of a large majority.

However an Evening Gazette straw poll during the course of the campaign indicated he has lost a significant slice of his previous trust and support.

Meanwhile the North-East looks ready to achieve another election triumph - by being the region with the fastest election declaration after the polls close this evening.

Sunderland South is trying for a record-breaking fourth time as the fastest declaring constituency in the country.

Four years ago it declared the result just 43 minutes after the polls closed and its counting team is geared up to try to repeat the achievement, though returning officers insist accuracy remains their first consideration.

The rash of late polls published today makes depressing news for Michael Howard and the Tories.

Far from building support the polls predict the Conservative share vote could be even lower than 2001, with one survey indicating support at below 32pc.

The polls also suggest that among those voters making up their minds at the last minute the choice has gone mainly to Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

Overall the polls predict Labour having anything from a three to a six per cent lead over the Conservatives.